408 Visa (Temporary Activity)

What is Visa 408 Australia?

The subclass 408 visa is a short-term visa intended for eligible applicants to come to Australia to do certain types of activities and work for a minimum period of three (3) months up to four (4) years depending on the stream.

With a visa subclass 408, you can:

• Stay, live, and work in Australia indefinitely.
• Travel to and from Australia while your visa is valid.
•  Bring eligible family members to Australia.

Streams Under Temporary Activity Visa 408

There are 10 different activities or streams that you can lodge a 408 visa application, namely:

• Australian Government-Endorsed Events
• Sports Activities
• Special Program
• Entertainment Industry
• Religious Work
• Superyacht Crew
• Research Activities
• Exchange Arrangement
• Invited Participants for Cultural or Social Events
• Domestic Work for Executives

AU Government-Endorsed Events

If you’re invited to partake in a Government-sponsored event in Australia, you can apply for a visa 408. If you’re a participant in the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit event, it’s free of charge.

• Have a letter of endorsement from a Government agency
• Stay in Australia up to 4 years

Special Programs

Youth exchange, cultural enrichment, community programs, and school language volunteering are some of the approved activities that you can participate in with a visa 408.

There are three streams under 186 visa that our immigration law experts can help you process without delay or hassle, which are as follows:

• Have a letter of invitation to participate
• Have a sponsor if applying onshore
• Have a sponsor if applying offshore and intends to stay for more than 3 months

Religious Work

You are allowed to enter the country to serve a religious institution in Australia. Full-time ministry as part of community service is accepted. You can work and stay up to 2 years in the country with your family.

• Secure an agreement to do full-time religious work
• Have a sponsor
• Have a sponsor if applying offshore and plans to stay for more than 3 months

Research Activities

Tertiary education often conducts research activities and invites qualified participants from around the world. The 408 visa is your key to observe or be a direct participant of a research project in Australia.

• Receive invitation from an Australian tertiary institution
• You must be an outstanding academic researcher, student, or recent graduate
• Stay and live in Australia for up to two (2) years

Invited Participant for Cultural or Social Events

Obtain a 408 temporary activity visa if you’re invited to a social or cultural community-based event, including a sports event.

• Receive an invitation to participate in the community-based event
• Stay and live in Australia for three (3) months with eligible family members

Sporting Activities

You can get a 408 visa in Australia if you are a professional sports player, coach, or instructor for an Australian team. You can also participate in structured training programs locally and internationally with this visa.

• You must be an outstanding coach, player, or a sports adjudicator
• Receive endorsement from or secure a formal agreement with an Australian sporting organisation
• Stay and live in Australia with eligible family members for up to 2 years

Entertainment Industry

You can come to Australia and stay here temporarily if you work as a professional in the entertainment industry, be it in film, television, or live productions. You must either be a performer or a production staff member.

• Present a contract or evidence of your temporary activity in Australia
• You must work in an eligible entertainment sector, government-subsidised or not
• Stay and live in Australia for up to two (2) years with qualified family members

Superyacht Crew

Secure your Australian 408 visa and experience working as a superyacht crew member and stay here indefinitely with travel and work privileges.

• Have a contract agreement to work as a superyacht crew member or
• Have a letter of employment confirming you are a superyacht crew member in Australia
• Stay and live in Australia with your family members for up to 12 months

Exchange Arrangements

Another stream under subclass visa 408 is a work arrangement where you can partake in a ‘reciprocal staff exchange’ with an approved Australian organisation.

• You must be skilled and experienced in the position you’re applying or sponsored for
• Have a written agreement from both organisations stating the purpose, length, and benefit of the exchange arrangement
• Stay and live in Australia with your family for up to two (2) years

Domestic Work for Executives

Are you skilled and experienced in domestic work? You can apply for a visa 408 and become a domestic worker for senior foreign executives in Australia.

• You must receive a work invitation from a senior foreign executive
• You must have an employment contract with specified employment conditions
• Stay and reside in Australia with qualified family members for up to 2 years

Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

The 408 visa allows you to participate in special programs in Australia, including temporary approved activities as stated below. Depending on the stream, your 408 visa Australia duration will vary between three months to four years. 

Take note of the following 408 eligibility criteria: 

• Sponsorship by an approved organization.
• Skills and experiences needed for the specific activity you are applying visa for.
• Meet the specific requirements of your visa stream.

Meanwhile, the 408 visa offers different streams such as:

• Sporting and Entertainment: For those who want to work in TV, film, or live productions, as well as play or coach in sports or games.
• Religious Work: For those who want to perform full-time religious duties in Australia.
• COVID-19 Pandemic Stream: For those who want to work in agriculture, healthcare, and other critical sectors.
• Research and Training: For those who will join in research projects.
• Cultural Exchange and Volunteering: For those who will participate in cultural and community activities.
• Super Yacht Crew and Domestic Work: For those who will work as a house staff or on a superyacht.

408 Visa Applicant Requirement Criteria

If you are planning to apply for a 408 visa, you should know the requirement criteria to ensure a smooth approval. Here are the 408 visa applicant requirement criteria.

• You are a real temporary visitor with a purpose why you want to be in Australia – whether it may be for employment, cultural exchange, or volunteering.
• An official invitation from an Australian organization or a sponsor.
• Evidence of sufficient funds as proof of self-support.
• Health insurance and medical checks
• Police clearances and other compliances needed to meet character standards.

Who can sponsor under subclass 408?

If you are applying for a 408 visa in Australia, you would have to have a sponsor. The question is: who is qualified to sponsor a 408 visa?

To answer the question, a sponsor should be someone relevant to your chosen visa stream. These sponsors are responsible for supporting your stay, ensuring you meet the 408 visa requirements, and meeting LMT obligations. Specifically, these are: 

• Australian business owners: Any businesses or non-profits legally operating in Australia.
• Sporting bodies: Any organisations endorsing sports events or professionals.
• Government agencies: Agencies backing official programs.
• Health checks: Health insurance and medical checks.
• Religious organizations: Legally recognised religious groups.
• Superyacht owners or captains: Crew and staff joining a superyacht.

Common Requirements for Temporary Activity Visa

Aside from the stream-specific requirements for this temporary visa, other basic 408 visa conditions must likewise be honoured and satisfied. These are as follows: 

• You must apply online.
• You must have the skills relevant to undertake the activity in Australia.
• You must be supported by an Australian citizen or organisation.
• You need sponsorship if you intend to stay in Australia for more than 3 months with your visa.
• You must undergo a health check or examination.
• You must not be convicted of a crime or has participated in unlawful activities.
• You must be of legal age, 18 or older.
• You must be able to financially support yourself and your family during this period.
• You must have a 408 visa health insurance.
• You must demonstrate being a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE).
• You must obey all Australian laws and sign the Values Statement.
• You must not have an immigration history of visa refusals/cancellations.

Australian 408 Visa Processing Time and Costs

While visa processing times and costs constantly update, the Department of Home Affairs has data that can serve as a general guide. For the most current information, check the Department’s official website or call our office for expert immigration and visa advice.

Need the Help of Migration Experts for Your Visa 408 Processing?

It can be stressful and a pain in the neck just singlehandedly doing your visa requirements. That’s where we at Parish Patience Immigration Lawyers come in to serve as your dedicated legal partner.

Professional Lawyers

Our entire Parish Patience Consultants lawyers are trained, experienced, and licensed professionals who will make it their personal mission to obtain your visa on your behalf.

Committed Immigration Team

From initial consultation and meeting to application and waiting time, our commitment is to your satisfaction and happiness through the success of your visa application.

Top Quality Service

Whether it’s a temporary visa, permanent visa, or Australian citizenship, we are confident that our services are tailored to your unique needs and are meant to realise your dream of living in Australia for work, study, business, or permanent residence.